Absa Pay: Fast and Secure way for your customers to pay

Absa Pay: Fast and Secure way for your customers to pay

As the South African payment ecosystem evolves, Absa Pay introduces a secure, modern alternative to traditional screen scraping methods. Below, we answer your most common questions about Absa Pay and how it benefits your business.

What is Absa Pay?

Absa Pay is a secure, fast, and regulation-compliant payment method for Absa customers. It lets buyers pay directly from their bank account without entering their online banking usernames or passwords on the merchant site. Instead, buyers authenticate the transaction using the Absa banking app.

How does Absa Pay work?

  1. The buyer selects Absa Pay at checkout.
  2. They enter their Absa account number (ID and Passport number will be supported soon).
  3. They are redirected to their Absa app to approve the payment.
  4. Once approved, they return to your website to complete the transaction.

What does this mean for screen scraping?

The South African Reserve Bank issued Directive 2 of 2024, which sets stricter requirements for EFT payments made via screen scraping. In response, Absa is blocking screen scraping from July 2025 to:
  1. Improve security
  2. Ensure regulatory compliance
  3. Support the shift to Open Banking and API-based payments

What are the benefits of Absa Pay?

For your business:
  1. Faster payments
  2. Fewer drop-offs
  3. Higher security and fraud resistance
  4. Better uptime and stability
For your customers:
  1. Smooth, mobile-first experience
  2. Safer payments without sharing login details

How do I get Absa Pay for my store?

Absa Pay is included by default as part of Instant EFT. However, Absa requires merchants to go through a vetting process before being allowed access.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Verify your account.
  2. Enable Instant EFT on your Payfast by Network dashboard. Note: If you've already done the first two steps, we have already submitted your details to Absa and are in the process of enabling Absa Pay for your store.
  3. We will submit your merchant details to Absa.
  4. Absa checks:
    1. If your business is on their sanctions list
    2. If your business operates in restricted industries (see below)
  5. If you meet their requirements, we will enable your store for Absa Pay.

Do I need to change my integration?

You don't need to make any changes on your side. If you're already using Instant EFT with Payfast by Network, and you’re approved by Absa, Absa Pay will be added automatically to your list of payment options at checkout.

Which industries are restricted from using Absa Pay?

Absa does not support the following merchant categories for Absa Pay:
Industry Type
Examples
Cross-border drug/pharmacy sales
Pharmacy, Drug Compounders, Research Chemicals and Herbs that may be used for psychoactive effects
Direct Marketing - Inbound (Adult)
Adult content, Adult Digital Content, Adult Goods
Dating and Escort Services
Dating apps and websites, Escort services
Cryptocurrency
Purchase of cryptocurrencies, investing in cryptocurrencies, Initial Coin Offering for Cryptocurrency
Cyber lockers
File sharing services that (1) public (as opposed to password-protected) sharing capability; (2) direct linking; (3) lack of search function; and (4) rewards programs. The customer is the downloader versus the uploader.
If your business falls into any of the above categories, you will not be eligible for Absa Pay.

What are the fees for Absa Pay?

Absa Pay is charged at the same rate as your current Instant EFT fees:
  1. a standard 2% per transaction (minimum of R2) excluding VAT, or
  2. your current customised pricing for Instant EFT

Still have questions?

If you have any questions or need help enabling Instant EFT, do not hesitate to reach out to our Merchant Services team via live chat during business hours. 

Stay ahead of regulatory changes and offer a smoother payment experience - get started with Absa Pay today.